Aretha Franklin, celebrated as the Queen of Soul, was not only a legendary musician but also the matriarch of a large family. Her life was filled with love, music, and, often, challenges. This article delves into the lesser-known aspects of her life, focusing on her husbands and four sons: Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin, Teddy Richards, and Kecalf Franklin.

A Private Life Behind the Spotlight

Aretha Franklin’s life was marked by her exceptional privacy, particularly regarding her family. Biographer David Ritz once noted, “She’s not atypical in her privacy; she’s just extreme.” Aretha’s strategy for emotional survival involved idealizing her life, which allowed her to cope with its harsh realities.

Clarence Franklin: A Challenging Start

Aretha Franklin’s journey into motherhood began at a very young age. She gave birth to her first son, Clarence Franklin, on January 28, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan. At just a preteen, Aretha never publicly revealed Clarence’s father, though it was later confirmed in a handwritten will that Edward Jordan Sr. fathered both Clarence and her second son, Edward. Despite the challenges of early motherhood, Aretha continued her education, with significant support from her grandmother, sister, and cousin.

Clarence Franklin has lived a life marked by both talent and struggle. Diagnosed with an undisclosed mental illness, he spent time in various assisted living facilities. Clarence contributed to his mother’s legacy by writing several songs that she recorded. Despite not being part of the legal battles over Aretha’s estate, Clarence was assured financial support through the estate’s provisions.

Edward Franklin: A Legacy of Music and Resilience

Edward Franklin, born on January 22, 1957, also in Detroit, Michigan, followed his mother’s footsteps into the music industry. Known as Eddie, he became a gospel singer and worked closely with Aretha, even recording a cover of “This Christmas” with her. Eddie’s early years were spent primarily with his grandmother as Aretha pursued her burgeoning music career.

In 2010, Edward faced a traumatic incident when he was attacked by three men at a Detroit gas station, an event that required surgery. Despite the ordeal, neither he nor Aretha publicly commented on it, maintaining the family’s preference for privacy. Edward honored his mother with a heartfelt performance of Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me” at her funeral.

Teddy Richards: Carving Out His Own Path

Aretha Franklin’s third son, Ted White Jr., known professionally as Teddy Richards, was born in February 1964. His father, Ted White, was Aretha’s manager, and their relationship was fraught with difficulties, including domestic abuse, leading to their divorce in 1969.

Teddy Richards grew up with his father but maintained a close relationship with his mother. He played backup guitar in Aretha’s band for decades and pursued his career as a singer-songwriter. Despite his father’s reservations about the music industry, Teddy forged his own path, performing with renowned artists like Nelly Furtado and Joe Cocker.

Teddy’s struggle to establish his own identity apart from being “the son of Aretha” was a significant challenge. He expressed the difficulty of being recognized for his achievements without the overshadowing presence of his mother’s legacy. Nonetheless, Teddy remained dedicated to his craft, releasing several albums and earning recognition in his own right.

Kecalf Franklin: The Youngest and His Unique Journey

Aretha’s youngest son, Kecalf Cunningham, also known as Kecalf Franklin, was born on March 28, 1970. His name combines his mother’s initials, A.L.F., and his father’s, Ken E. Cunningham, who was Aretha’s road manager.

Kecalf pursued a career as a gospel rapper, performing on stage with his mother several times. He also has children who have followed in their grandmother’s musical footsteps. Kecalf’s daughter, Grace, even auditioned for American Idol, demonstrating the family’s enduring musical legacy.

After Aretha’s death, Kecalf was vocal about the portrayal of his mother in the biopic “Respect,” criticizing it for not consulting the family. He was also involved in the legal disputes over Aretha’s estate, advocating for the validity of a 2014 handwritten will that named him as the estate’s representative. In July 2023, a jury upheld this will, granting Kecalf and his children the right to inherit Aretha’s home in Michigan.

A Family United in Grief and Legacy

When Aretha Franklin passed away from pancreatic cancer on August 16, 2018, her four sons publicly mourned the loss of their matriarch. Despite the private nature of their lives, they expressed their profound grief and the immense love Aretha had for her family. “We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family,” they said in a statement, highlighting her boundless love for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The legal battles over Aretha’s estate, particularly regarding the handwritten wills, underscored the complexities of her legacy. The 2014 document, ultimately upheld by the court, reflected her desire for Kecalf and her grandchildren to inherit her home, while ensuring financial support for Clarence. Despite the disputes, the family remained united, with Kecalf expressing his relief and happiness that his mother’s wishes were honored.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin’s life was a tapestry of extraordinary talent, deep love, and profound challenges. Her legacy extends beyond her legendary music to the family she cherished and protected fiercely. Despite the trials and tribulations, the love and unity within her family stand as a testament to the Queen of Soul’s enduring impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were Aretha Franklin’s husbands?

Aretha Franklin was married twice. Her first husband was Ted White, whom she married in 1961. They divorced in 1969 amid reports of domestic abuse. Her second marriage was to actor Glynn Turman in 1978, but they divorced in 1984.

How many children did Aretha Franklin have?

Aretha Franklin had four sons: Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin, Ted White Jr. (Teddy Richards), and Kecalf Franklin.

What was the outcome of the legal battle over Aretha Franklin’s estate?

A jury ruled in favor of a 2014 handwritten will, which allowed Kecalf Franklin and Aretha’s grandchildren to inherit her home in Michigan. The will also provided financial support for Clarence Franklin.

Did any of Aretha Franklin’s children pursue careers in music?

Yes, Edward Franklin became a gospel singer, and Teddy Richards pursued a career as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. Kecalf Franklin also performed as a gospel rapper.

How did Aretha Franklin’s children react to her passing?

Aretha Franklin’s children expressed profound grief and highlighted her boundless love for the family in a public statement. They described her as the matriarch and rock of their family.